I think i’m going to like it in there! December 29, 2008

I got this e-mail this week from an amazing woman and volunteer here at NewSpring.  The week before Christmas NewSpring went to three schools in Anderson and one school in Greenville and supplied over 1600 kids with a pair of shoes and jackets or backpacks.  There were some kids wearing shoes two sizes smaller than what they needed.  The kids faces were unforgetable.  Check this out…

Had to share this with you…my sister used to be the math coach at Verennes Elementary but now has position in district office where she covers several elementary and middle schools.  Any way…she was at Verennes when you guys took the shoes and backpacks.  She said the kids were so excited and proud.  She said she was standing at the door as they filed the kids in to get there stuff and all the NewSpring peeps were clapping and cheering as they came in.  She said one little boy towards the back of the line turned to the kid behind him and said…”I think I’m going to like it in there!”.

How precious is that???  I hope that’s the way visitors at NewSpring feel when they pull up in the parking lot  and are greeted with warm and loving smiles…I bet they say…”I think I’m going to like it in there!”

Thanks for being you…a woman with a passion for God, our church and our volunteers .

Christmas 2008 December 29, 2008

These are a few pictures of the tree with some of the gifts that were brought for the toy drive.  We were able to supply Christmas gifts for hundreds of families in our community.  Thank you for giving.

Oh Christmas Tree December 29, 2008

passion still shines December 29, 2008

I got an e-mail today that I wanted to share with our volunteers.  Check this out…

My wife and I had the opportunity to slip in on Saturday and be apart of the 6:00 pm service. We brought our little girl Hannah Rose and she did awesome (so the volunteer said). I just wanted to take the time to let you know that we really enjoyed our experience, your staff and the volunteers were great they made it easier to leave Hannah and enjoy the worship experience knowing that she was safe and well taken care of. The young man that showed us to the Flute Room (I think that is what it was called) was great he talked to us as well as Hannah trying to answer any questions that we might have as we went and to make us all a little more comfortable. I was glad he was there because with all the hustle and bustle and the large crowd we probably would of gotten lost and would have missed the start of the service. When we checked her into the room the volunteer made sure again to answer any questions and to point out how things were done and as we were leaving to head to our seat we noticed the police/security floating the children’s area which eased my wife quickly.  From the time we checked her in until we left everyone greeted us with love and care even though they didn’t know us. Once we got home my wife even noticed that Hannah’s diaper bag had been very neatly packed and that things were not just shoved in it to rush us out the door.

I have served on staff at several churches and worked with a lot of great people, but the volunteers at NewSpring and especially the Nursery/Children’s area were great. We hope and pray that when we are released from our current staff positions that God will allow us to play some small part in the work at NewSpring. Thanks again and I hope that you have a Safe, Blessed and Merry Christmas.

Oh yeah my wife and I really enjoyed the worship service it was awesome to see so many give their hearts to the Lord. Thank you all the entire staff and volunteers for being obedient to the Lord.

One last thing, it is really a side note, my wife and I were very impressed that the parking crew. They stood in the rain and the cold to still guide the way for all of us. I don’t know if you could let someone know but that was impressive that their passion still shines through the rain and that I really appreciate their dedication and commitment to God and to His Church. Not that my appreciation means much but what they do, and all of you are doing, really does matter.

Again thanks for a great experience!
Serving Christ while serving others,

Let’s get this PARTY started December 2, 2008

The atrium is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I like it!  I cannot wait for you guys to see it.  We have some very talented volunteers here.  This Sunday the Christmas Party is getting started.  You don’t want to miss the worship time when the kids (1st – 5th grade) will be leading us.  Get here early!  Also, don’t forget to bring your new, unwrapped toys for us to give to those who need them.

I cannot believe we get to be a part of such an amazing church and movement of God.  Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us.

The people make the difference December 2, 2008

As most of you know we have ministry leaders from other churches visit NewSpring often.  It’s is always so cool to get feedback from their visit.  Here’s a few words I wanted to share with all of our amazing volunteers.  Check this out.

I just wanted to thank you for the experience that we had at NewSpring Sunday night. I’m not even sure where to start but I want you to know what an incredible experience it was for us. We used Sunday to take a road trip to visit three churches. Andy is our Media Director and I’m the Administrator and Service Coordinator. We constantly have our eyes peeled for churches that have broken the mold and are reaching people who won’t go to a traditional church. So that’s why we have our eyes on NewSpring. I watch your services every week online and am constantly referencing stuff you’re doing when we are in our Service Planning Meetings. Seeing the action go down in person blows me away. It was an experience that you can’t “feel” just by watching the videos on your site. What made NewSpring different from other churches that we’ve visited was the people. The people of NewSpring were unbelievable and, from my first impression, is what made NewSpring different…what a refreshing difference! Right when we got there, Jason, spotted us wandering around and offered to give us a tour of the facility. He spent about half an hour with us, answering questions, describing NewSpring, and helping us understand your vision. Thanks Jason! Right after that, Dan grabbed us, got us hot chocolate and just sat and talked to us in the atrium. Following that, we met part of the band and several others. Everyone was genuinely excited to meet us. I was hooked on NewSpring and the service hadn’t even started. There’s a phrase that we constantly use at Bay Shore and it is that the sermon starts in the parking lot. You guys have that DOWN! No wonder you guys are busting at the seams.

The worship was insane. Everyone was so engaged. The atmosphere, music, and Lee was so real… We were hoping to hear Perry but really enjoyed what Steven had to say. It’s pretty funny that we pretty much are the examples that he was trying to describe to NewSpring. We are watching you guys for ideas and I’m sure we’re just one church of many. Your ministry isn’t just in Anderson, Florence, or Greenville but as we implement ideas from NewSpring you’re effecting lives in Delaware as well. I’m sure that’s just the tip of the iceberg too.

Anyway, I’m rambling. I just want to say thank you. Our experience was the highlight of our weekend. What God is doing there is insane and I’m so pumped that there are churches out there like NewSpring that are breaking the religious stereotypes that has pushed people away from Jesus. You guys are a magnet for the unchurched…that’s awesome!

Bottom line, you guys are different then any place I’ve ever been and the main reason why are the people of NewSpring. Never stop raising the bar because it’s going to help people like us to do the same.

I will be back.